Zooming in on the electron wavefunction in solids

摘要

Using electron scattering experiments we can measure the energy and momentum distributions of electrons in solids. This distribution is directly related tot he wavefunction of electrons. After a discussion of how the electron motion in solids is different from the one in atoms we present that data of a metallic aluminium film and an oxidised aluminium film. These represent examples of two completely different classes of materials: a free electron metal and an ionic insulator. Interpretation of these direct measurements is very simple, opening a fresh perspective on the electronic of solids. 9 refs., 10 figs. (Atomindex citation 28:040285)